NEVER quit psychiatric
medications such as
benzodiazepines, antidepressants or anti-psychotics cold turkey!!
Benzodiazepine
Equivalence Table
(Benzodiazepine Equivalency Table)
Revised June 2002
This Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table is based on the
extensive research and clinical experience of
Professor C Heather Ashton, DM, FRCP, Emeritus Professor of Clinical
Psychopharmacology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Sources: NRHA
Drug Newsletter, April 1985 and Benzodiazepines: How they Work & How
to Withdraw (The
Ashton Manual), 2002. The approximate equivalent doses to 10mg
diazepam (Valium) are given. Order the Ashton Manual
Click here.
For a discussion of half-lives and equivalencies see
also the
Benzo FAQ document.
|
Benzodiazepines1
|
Half-life (hrs)2
[active metabolite]
|
Approximately Equivalent
Oral dosages (mg)3
|
Market Aim4
|
Alprazolam
(Xanax) |
6-12
|
0.5
|
a
|
Bromazepam
(Lexotan) |
10-20
|
5-6
|
a
|
Chlordiazepoxide
(Librium) |
5-30 [36-200]
|
25
|
a
|
Clobazam
(Frisium)5 |
12-60
|
20
|
a,e
|
Clonazepam
(Klonopin, Rivotril)5 |
18-50
|
0.5
|
a,e
|
Clorazepate
(Tranxene) |
[36-200]
|
15
|
a
|
Diazepam
(Valium) |
20-100 [36-200]
|
10
|
a
|
Estazolam
(ProSom) |
10-24
|
1-2
|
h
|
Flunitrazepam
(Rohypnol) |
18-26 [36-200]
|
1
|
h
|
Flurazepam
(Dalmane) |
[40-250]
|
15-30
|
h
|
Halazepam
(Paxipam) |
[30-100]
|
20
|
a
|
Ketazolam
(Anxon) |
2
|
15-30
|
a
|
Loprazolam
(Dormonoct) |
6-12
|
1-2
|
h
|
Lorazepam
(Ativan) |
10-20
|
1
|
a
|
Lormetazepam
(Noctamid) |
10-12
|
1-2
|
h
|
Medazepam
(Nobrium) |
36-200
|
10
|
a
|
Nitrazepam
(Mogadon) |
15-38
|
10
|
h
|
Oxazepam
(Serax, Serenid D) |
4-15
|
20
|
a
|
Prazepam
(Centrax) |
[36-200]
|
10-20
|
a
|
|
Quazepam (Doral) |
25-100
|
20
|
h
|
Temazepam
(Restoril,
Normison,
Euhypnos) |
8-22
|
20
|
h
|
Triazolam
(Halcion) |
2
|
0.5
|
h
|
Non-benzodiazepines
with similar effects1, 6 |
|
|
|
Zaleplon
(Sonata) |
2
|
20
|
h
|
Zolpidem
(Ambien, Stilnoct) |
2
|
20
|
h
|
Zopiclone
(Zimovane, Imovane) |
5-6
|
15
|
h
|
-
All these drugs are recommended for short-term use
only (2-4 weeks maximum).
-
Half-life: time taken for blood concentration to
fall to half its peak value after a single dose. Half-life of active
metabolite shown in square brackets. This time may vary considerably
between individuals.
-
These equivalents do not agree with those used by
some authors. They are firmly based on clinical experience during
switch-over to diazepam at start of withdrawal programs but may vary
between individuals.
-
Market Aim: Although all benzodiazepines have
similar actions, they are usually marketed as anxiolytics (a),
hypnotics (h) or anticonvulsants (e).
-
In the UK clobazam (Frisium) and clonazepam (Rivotril)
are licensed for use as anti-epileptics only.
-
These drugs are chemically different from
benzodiazepines but have the same effects on the body and act by the
same mechanisms.
Battling
The Benzos and Ending Dependency
an article by Dr. Terry Neher
Click
here to order beCALM'd
A supplement that has been helpful for balancing brain neurotransmitters
and easing symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Ingredients:
Calcium 50 mg
Magnesium 25 mg
Vitamin B-6 1.0 mg
Folic Acid 0.1 mg
L-Glutamine 150 mg
DL-Phenylalanine 300 mg
5-HTP 5 mg
Learn about Natural CALM
magnesium citrate powder
Helps with insomnia and muscle tension
Ask a question or offer support.
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|
"This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat,
mitigate, or prevent a disease or illness. Results may
vary per person"
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